Your diet has an important role to play in maintaining good oral health, and if you’re eager to prevent cavities and gum disease and ensure that your smile looks attractive, there are certain foods and drinks you may wish to avoid. Many of us are familiar with hearing dentist’s warnings about sugary treats, but you may be less familiar with the list of foods and drinks that are actually good for your teeth. If you’re looking to boost your oral health or make changes to your diet to reduce your risk of enamel damage and decay, here are some suggestions:
Milk is a great alternative to fizzy drinks, cordial and squash and acidic fruit juices, as it contains calcium and helps to neutralise acids in your mouth. Calcium is essential for strong and healthy teeth, as well as bones and nails, and it helps to maintain the tooth enamel. Calcium is particularly important for children and elderly people at risk of osteoporosis and the recommend daily intake is as follows:
Cheese is another good source of calcium and it has a high pH value, which helps to protect the enamel by neutralising acidity in the mouth. It is beneficial to eat a small amount of cheese after eating or drinking something acidic, such as juice or wine.
Water is the best thing you can drink in terms of oral and general health. Water keeps you hydrated, prevents the mouth from becoming dry and helps to wash away food debris and bacteria. Water also contains no sugar. You should aim to drink at least 2 litres of water per day.
Natural, unsweetened yoghurt is an excellent choice for dessert, as it is rich in calcium and low in sugar.
Nuts are a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, omega oils and calcium, and they also have antibacterial properties. Try to avoid salted or sugared nuts and only eat a small portion.
Eating raw carrots stimulates the gums and increases saliva production, which is good for cleaning out the mouth and removing bits of leftover food. Carrots are also rich in vitamins C and B and they contain anti-oxidants. They are a great option if you tend to get hungry between meals.
Green tea contains no sugar, it hydrates the body and it is rich in antioxidants. Studies have shown that people who drink green tea on a regular basis have a lower risk of developing gum disease. If you’re not keen on traditional green tea, try adding a splash of lemon or ginger.
Pears contain vitamins, but they also have high water content, which helps to reduce acidity in the mouth. Apples are also good for your oral health, but it is best to avoid eating them between meals, as they can cause damage to the enamel.
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, but it also contains calcium and phosphorus, which play a crucial part in repairing and maintaining the bones and teeth. Chicken is also low in saturated fat and it is a hugely versatile food, which can be added to almost any dish.
Chewing gum after eating helps to stimulate the production of saliva to cleanse your mouth and dislodge any food debris which may have become trapped. Always ensure you choose sugar-free gum. Chewing gum can also help to tackle bad breath after eating strong flavours such as garlic.
Keeping the above in mind with your diet and having regular dentist Cornwall checkups will help give you a brighter smile.
